I love discussions about differences in cultures. Having Arab culture pumping in my veins, I can say that Arab countries are way more relaxed when it comes to time, and I think I enjoy that much more. Nothing ever feels rushed, people spend plenty of time together without worrying about where they have to next and at what time. It's awesome, imo.
Oh that was something I hugely picked up on over there. The fact is that the world doesn't end if you are two hours late for a meeting. Or if you don't show because your brother called you about something. And once you know this, you can simply take or leave the Western businessman sitting and waiting and sweating in his suit. He'll be there tomorrow.
I think having a flip attitude for other peoples time is something for the unaccomplished and unambitious. There is nothing wrong with being someone that stops and smells the roses, takes life one day at a time etc. But if you are the type of person with lots of ideas and interests that you pursue, the chances are that you are less likely to be unapologetically late to a meeting. Why? Because you realize the opportunity costs of wasted time and wouldn't do that to someone else.Oh that was something I hugely picked up on over there. The fact is that the world doesn't end if you are two hours late for a meeting.
-yeah, your world doesn't end but that "sweaty business man," meanwhile has to pick up his kids from Childcare by 6pm, and unlike you (presumably) has people and responsibilities that rely on him and therefore, time is in shorter supply.
A better attitude might be to be relaxed with your own time, but not to waste other's frivolously.